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Regarding lipoatrophy, Zerit followed by AZT and Videx are known to be the most frequent offenders. Viread and Ziagen (along with 3TC) have not been implicated (even though this is carried in the warnings of all NRTIs). Studies have also shown that there were more drop-offs due to side effects on AZT-based nuke backbone than Viread or Ziagen-based ones.

Are people still prescribed Zerit AZT and Videx? My former employer tested poz in 90 and he has a sever case of lipo. Never asked him what he is on but he doesn't look healthy, he also does alot of recreational drugs so that can contribute as well. I just would wish that I didn't end up looking like he does or at least prevent it from happening too soon. Sorry if I offended anyone who is going through severe cases of lipo.

Grrrr! Stop worrying about things that may never affect you! Not to discourage you from educating yourself, but you're spending so much of your energy worrying about things that may never come to pass. I believe that there is a good lesson regarding treatment naive persons, including the recommendations of the NIH as to first meds and their side effects. It is likely that you and your doctor will choose something along those lines. So, read up on those and make a list of questions to ask your doctor before deciding on the appropriate course of treatment. You need to step back and re-orient yourself for a long and healthy life. Don't worry about lipoatrophy yet - you could get hit by bus and end up looking worse than your former employer.

Ok Fondeveau I will take your advice and not worry so much. It's just that I am a worrier by nature, in case you couldn't tell yet.

I ask many questions because I want the best treatment for myself because I have one week before I start treatment if my numbs were at a higher rate I would take time and read and ask more intelligent questions. No attitude intended.

Yes, you do worry. Make sure the doctor knows that. It may determine which course of treatment the doctor proposes. Its not a matter of an intelligent question - remember what they say about the only dumb question being the unasked question. Rather, try to focus your energy as you say to achieve the best for you. If you were in a position of extreme unction, your doctor would have put you in hospital and called the priest! Your numbers aren't at all bad - many on these forums detail starting treatment at very low CD4 counts and very high viral loads. I guess you should try to look at this like driving. While you need to be aware of the things about you and the signs along the way, you have to focus on the road ahead in order to get anywhere. You have a long road ahead of you. Surely, there will be bumps. But, try not to worry too much and enjoy the ride - positive or negative, you still have, but one life to lead - make it a good one.

Yes, I have to agree, and I may have stated so before. I realize this is all new to you as you were just diagnosed but you're entering the realm of over obsession on matters that you may not confront for quite a while if at all. Education is good, but I've often said if I'd had access to a message board like this in '93 I would have ended up in a mental ward.

Maybe you should take a break from all of this until you hear more from your doctor. The more you read the more you'll start inventing scenarios in your mind, increasing your anxiety (which is frankly already very high), etc. Trust me... I know about all of this because I'm somewhat like you are in this respect (OK, not quite but I know the signs). I bet you have one of those uber-worrysome mothers! I know I do.

Go sign up for a yoga class and do some accupuncture or something to relax.